I'm not surprised that the motherboard has a high failure rate. For HP, it doesn't matter to them if it dies after a year because then they won't have to deal with warranties. I've had the HP one for about 2 years, almost 3 now. So, if what you've said is true, it looks like its overdue for its turn.

However, at this point, I can't afford to change the motherboard just yet, mainly because I'd have to buy a new copy of Win 7 for the upgrade. That being said, I would have to upgrade the motherboard when it does crap out on me. Thats why I'm just going to get a decent case with room for upgrades. I currently have a HAF 932, and that thing is monstrous. Which is why I'm trying to get a smaller case, but with the support for larger motherboards.

I'm not surprised that the motherboard has a high failure rate. For HP, it doesn't matter to them if it dies after a year because then they won't have to deal with warranties. I've had the HP one for about 2 years, almost 3 now. So, if what you've said is true, it looks like its overdue for its turn.

However, at this point, I can't afford to change the motherboard just yet, mainly because I'd have to buy a new copy of Win 7 for the upgrade. That being said, I would have to upgrade the motherboard when it does crap out on me. Thats why I'm just going to get a decent case with room for upgrades. I currently have a HAF 932, and that thing is monstrous. Which is why I'm trying to get a smaller case, but with the support for larger motherboards.

If it weren't an OEM Windows 7 copy you'd probably be able to call MS and get that straightened out to use with a new motherboard - too bad not.

The HAF 932 is a nice case, you can send it this way if you want.

There's nice choices in the "smaller" category and as you know the CM690 II Advanced seems to be the most popular with nice options/extras and great bang for the buck.

Yea, sucks to have an oem copy. I have serial and whatnot for it, but I don't think it'll help me.

Anyway, I think you misunderstood me, I have a Haf 932 in my sig rig, and i love it. This thread is talking about another one of my computers. But I bet you'd want it. :lol:

I just want a case that's not as big as the 932, but has pretty much the same feature set. Hence the reason why I'm inclined more towards getting the 922. I just like how it looks. And the airflow.
Another option is the thermaltake v9 blacx version. I really like the top hdd docking port, mainly cause I have a crapload if data that I move around occasionally.

As for the 690ii adv, it just looks too "shiny" for my taste. Call me wierd, but to me it looks very similar to the HP case I have right now. Furthermore, it doesn't give off that "I built this computer from scratch" aura. It just seems something that looks very OEMy... Obviously, it's a great case, but to me, it's just not "the-one".

If it's that tight for space, then I'd be seriously considering the Corsair H50/H60/H70, since all that goes over the CPU is a small block and pump combo device, the real cooling happens over at the radiator nicely away from the CPU and memory slots.

I just wanna stay away from liquid for now. For some reason, it either seems too much of a hassle, or it seems too risky. I'd rather now take the risk. Also, sticking the radiator at the back isn't really an option for me mainly because the back of the computer is pushed almost right against the wall. I have serous space restrictions, hence the reason why I didn't go with another 932.

I hope so. Again, I'm still not sure if I can remove the I/O shield from the existing case to put into the new one. If not, I guess I'm gonna have to order them from some obscure place. I've seen them online, just not sure where.

Yea, sucks to have an oem copy. I have serial and whatnot for it, but I don't think it'll help me.

Anyway, I think you misunderstood me, I have a Haf 932 in my sig rig, and i love it. This thread is talking about another one of my computers. But I bet you'd want it. :lol:

I just want a case that's not as big as the 932, but has pretty much the same feature set. Hence the reason why I'm inclined more towards getting the 922. I just like how it looks. And the airflow.
Another option is the thermaltake v9 blacx version. I really like the top hdd docking port, mainly cause I have a crapload if data that I move around occasionally.

As for the 690ii adv, it just looks too "shiny" for my taste. Call me wierd, but to me it looks very similar to the HP case I have right now. Furthermore, it doesn't give off that "I built this computer from scratch" aura. It just seems something that looks very OEMy... Obviously, it's a great case, but to me, it's just not "the-one".

Sorry for my misunderstanding about your HAF 932.

Is that HAF 932 the black edition meaning it has the black interior?

Everyone has their own tastes, and if the HAF 922 does it for you - live it up! Just beware that the hard drive cage in the HAF 922 has a flaw according to a few that they say is too short but I don't have this case so I can't tell you from any experience. Isn't it something about the HAF series that many people actually think it looks hideoius.

I have it's youngest sibling the HAF 912 with two 200mm blue fans plus the 120mm in the rear and does a great job cooling and I love the 3 and 1 hard drive cage design that the other HAF models don't have. My Mom saw it and was in love with the front blue fan well even the top one but more the front one - lol! Too bad her desk won't fit this case height wise or I would've given it to her gladly - well she is my Mom! May have to get her a case (as a surprise) with shorter height and has a blue front led fan to place her HP AM2 system/case that I originally gave her (see we do have something in common - lol!) maybe the Centurion 5 II which has a 140mm in front.Edited by nickt1862 - 2/5/11 at 9:09am

Nah, I have the normal 932. I value my video cards being cool rather than having a big-ass window for everyone to peek into. Obviously, both would have been nice, but when I bought it, I forgot that the HAF X existed. Still, no regrets here.

I personally haven't heard anything about the hdd trays, but I have heard quite a few of the "older-gen" people say that the case is hideous. Personally, I love it, but like you said - each to his own.
I actually haven't considered the 912 at all, which I probably should. Does it have enough space for two dual slot video cards, on the off chance that I do go SLI on this baby? I guess I'll hit up a bunch of reviews to see how good it really is.

Nah, I have the normal 932. I value my video cards being cool rather than having a big-ass window for everyone to peek into. Obviously, both would have been nice, but when I bought it, I forgot that the HAF X existed. Still, no regrets here.

I personally haven't heard anything about the hdd trays, but I have heard quite a few of the "older-gen" people say that the case is hideous. Personally, I love it, but like you said - each to his own.
I actually haven't considered the 912 at all, which I probably should. Does it have enough space for two dual slot video cards, on the off chance that I do go SLI on this baby? I guess I'll hit up a bunch of reviews to see how good it really is.

Ooh, I like... I might actually go with this one, mainly because it has a much smaller footprint compared to other cases. I dont need a massive case for this rig. Just something that allows me to upgrade later on.